Help This Soldier Find His Missing Dog

When Brandon Harker returned home from his nine-month deployment to Afghanistan, he was especially looking forward to being reunited with his yellow Labrador Retriever, Oakley.

Oakley was placed in the care of someone Harker considered to be a friend, but the person proved to be untrustworthy, having given Oakley away with an advertisement placed on Craigslist.

Harker describes Oakley as being a big100-pound baby who thinks he’s a lap dog. He’s good with children and other dogs. He’s two years and four months old.

Harker was informed that he would not be able to pick up his dog as he was returning to Joint Base Lewis-McCord in Washington state after the “friend” admitted to no longer having Oakley. The dog was supposedly relinquished in May, but Craigslist users reported seeing an ad for a dog matching Oakley’s description back in February.

Harker has placed another ad on Craigslist in an effort to find his beloved dog:

“[Oakley] has a unique coat, on his face he has spots of a darker yellow (champagne) he also has spots of the same color going down his sides and legs. If anyone has any information on this and can help me please do. I am just trying to get him back to me since he was wrongfully given away or sold with out my permission while I was deployed. I will also be able to verify the dog is mine because he is micro-chipped and registered to me. Once again thank you to everyone who sees this and tries to help.”

Have you seen me?

SO very sorry to hear Oakley's MIA -- have to believe you'll be reunited. Posting on my FB page in case Oakley's headed for the Southeast. If money would lead to the recovery of your buddy, I'll be glad to contribute, and I'm sure every pet-lover who reads your story would gladly chip in a few dollars. With every good wish...

Sara on August 1 at 7:47 PM said:

This story totally breaks my heart!! My 19 yr old son just left for Army Basic Training July 8th and is in Oklahoma. When Ii had a chance to talk to him briefly, I made it a point to reassure him that his life is changing for the better and HE is the one making changes and not to worry about us...life is the same here. I believe its important that they know that whatever or whoever they leave behind will be waiting for them when they get back! When he wrote me the first time, he was missing our 2 dogs Pickles and Moose the most. It's hard enough for these young men and women leaving their loved ones as it is and we should all do what we can to limit the amount of worry they endure while defending the freedom we are so lucky to have. They are heroes..every single one of them. The days of the "draft " are over so everyone that enlists now knows the risks and is doing it because they are all brave heroes! I wish we could start a club, maybe Mothers of Soldiers that can foster their pets while they are gone! I know I wish I had known this young man because I would have gladly cared for and loved his dog while he was away. They do not need to be distracted as they need to focus on their job ahead of them. I wish there was something I could do....Sara Hamper. [email protected]

Christine on August 2 at 6:00 AM said:

awww.. a big hug to brandon...and a forever hug to Oakley. Such a sad way for a so call "friend" to behave...The blessing in it, is that hopefully Oakley is living a charmed life and your friend has to always look in the mirror. I hope and pray you two are reunited and happy wags from Oakley tail returns as he sees he Dad.....Brandon...on a personal note: dont give up hope....animal lovers everywhere are looking to help you!!!! Best of luck finding him....as for Oakley...in my mind he has earned his angel paws!

Judith on August 2 at 11:39 AM said:

Brandon, can't you find Oakley by getting in contact with the new owner through your friend who gave him away (or sold him)? Your friend must have that contact information, so do what you have to do to get it! Sure wish I could help you find Oakley--I will forward your information to my entire e-mail list (people who live in several states) and hope it helps you both be reunited. Keep the faith!

Judy on August 2 at 6:33 PM said:

I have posted to almost 1,000 of my friends on facebook. Hope they will keep on posting it until you two are united again. Please keep us posted.

Lynn on August 8 at 1:22 PM said:

My heart goes out to you! I will pray for the safe return of your beloved Oakley. I recently lost two of my beloved parrots in a similar way. It is the worst heartache I have ever experienced. How can people be so hurtful. Where is their compassion, moral fiber, & ethics? I will keep you in thought and prayer.
Jane & Sinbad Missing Parrots facebook page

MARY on August 22 at 10:36 AM said:

As an update for those of your following this story, Oakley still has not been found. You may join the "Help Find Oakley" Facebook page to get more information. Enter that into the Facebook search bar. (Links have been disabled on our comments to prevent spam.)
[email protected]

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